SAR Journal of Medical Case Reports
Volume-7 | Issue-02
Case Report
Proliferating Pilar Tumor of the Cheek in a 60 Year Old Female- A Case Report
Amna Khan, Rashda Shabbir, Aiman Masood, Mirha Imran Khan, Sehar Saleem, Mishal Rizwan, Jawad Ahmad, Minahil Saeed, Ayesha Faisal, Huzafa Ali
Published : April 16, 2026
Abstract
Proliferating pilar tumors (PPTs) are rare neoplasms arising from the outer root sheath of hair follicles, with approximately 90% occurring on the scalp. These tumors predominantly affect women over 50 years of age and may occasionally undergo malignant transformation, necessitating careful histopathological evaluation. We present the case of a 60-year-old female who presented with a gradually enlarging, non-tender lump on the right cheek of 1.5 years' duration. Local examination revealed a firm, 3×2 cm solid mass with no overlying skin changes or palpable cervical lymphadenopathy. Excisional biopsy was performed and histopathological analysis demonstrated a lobulated lesion composed of proliferative squamous cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, brisk mitotic activity, and abrupt keratinization — findings consistent with a proliferating pilar tumor. Post-operative MRI of the head, face, and neck with contrast revealed no evidence of residual or recurrent tumor. This case highlights an uncommon presentation of PPT on the cheek, a site rarely reported in the literature.